Relay



Reissued June 6, 1922. I 15 ,374.

F. R. PARKER.

- RELAY. 7 APPLICATION FILED MAR. I8. 1920.

llllllllllllll WITNESSES. INVENTOR.

y wmiazwu film-J m PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK R. PARKER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

RELAY.

Specification of Reissued Letters Patent.

Reissned June 6, 1922.

Original application filed February 19, 1904, Serial No. 194,392.Divided and application filed May 29, 1914, Serial No. 841,729.

Patented May 15, 1917, No. 1,226,617.

Original No. 1,259,901, dated March 19, 1918. Application for reissuefiled March 18, 1920. Serial No. 366,971.

T 0 all whom it may concern Be it known that I, FREDERICK R. PARKER, avcitizen of the United States of America, residin at Chicago, in thecounty of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and usefulRelay, of which the following is a specification, reference being had tothe accompanying drawing illustrating same.

This application is a division of my application from which UnitedStates Letters Patent No. 1,226,617 issued on May 15, 1917, onelectromagnet.

My present invention relates to that class of electrically-operabledevices known as relays.

The principal objects of my invention are, to .provide an improved relayor electricallyoperable device substantially as herein set forth toprovide improved switching mecha nism for such relays orelectrically-operable devices; and to provide improved means foroperating the switching mechanism of such relays orelectrically-operable devices.

Other objects will be apparent from the following specification.

The figure of the drawing is a side elevation of one preferredconstruction of my im-.

proved relay, showing the relay mounted to a mounting strip. In thefigure a portion of one of the insulating spool heads is shown brokenaway to show the apparatus more clearly.

Referring to the drawing, 1 is a magnetizable core upon which anenergizing coil 2 is wound. 3 and 4 are heads of insulating materialwhich are forced onto the core 1 and form therewith a spool forcontaining the winding 2. 5 is an L-shaped member of magnetizablematerial which is attached to the rear end of the core 1 preferably by abolt 6 extending into the rear end of the core 1. One leg of the member5 extends substantially parallel with the core 1 between the spool heads3 and 4, preferably as shown, and is attached to the heads 3 and 4 inany suitable manner. 7 is a mounting strip intended for mounting anumber of relays thereon. The relay of the figure is heldto the strip 7preferably by nuts 8 8. 9 and 10 are switch sprin s which are preferablycarried by the head portion 4. The springs 9 and 10 are insulated fromeach other in any suitable manner. 11 is one of a pair of terminals forthe ends ofthe wind ng 2, whlch are extended through the head portion 4and carried thereby. The end 12 of the winding 2 may be attached to theterminal 11 as shown, preferably being soldered thereto. 13 is anarmature which is preferably made of comparatively thin magnetizablematerial and mounted pivotally to the free end of the L-shaped member 5preferably by a screw 14. The upper or inner end of the armature 13preferably carries a pin 15 of insulating materialcadapted to bearagainst the switch spring 9 and operate it when the armature 13 isoperated. 16 is an adjustment screw for limiting the backward movementof the armature 13. The front end of the core 1 is preferably cut out asshown to accommodate the armature 13 and provide a portion 17 extendingforwardly to within a short distance from a second armature 18. Thearmature 18 is preferably made of comparatively thick magnetizab-lematerial and is pivotally mounted at 20 between or on brackets 19 whichare attached to the spool head 3. The armature 18 preferably overlapsthe armature 13 and preferably carries an insulating roller 21 at itsfree end adapted to bear against the switch spring 10 and operate itwhen the armature 18 is operated. 22 is an adjustment screw for limitingthe backward movement of the armature 18. Any other details ofconstruction of the device are thought to be well understood'withoutfurther description.

As to the operation of the relay, when a small energizing current of theproper intensity is sent through the coil 2, the magnetic circuit 1 5 13becomes sufliciently magnetized to cause the core 1 to attract thearmature 13 thereto, thus operating the spring 9 and causing it toengage the spring 10. The armature 18, however, will not be attracted bythe magnetism produced by this weak energizing current. When a largerenergizing current of the proper intensity is sent through the coil 2,the magnetizable portions 1 5 13 18 become sufficiently magnetizedtocause the attraction of both of the armatures 13 and 18 toward the core1, provided the armature 13 was not already attracted by a weakerenergization of the device, in which latter case the armature 18 alonewill be attracted by the increased ener-i gization. The attraction ofarmature 1 8 operates the spring 10 and author takes 1t out of contactwith spring9 which was previously operated, or keeps the contact 9 10open in case both of the armatures are operated simultaneously. Thearmature 18 when attracted therefore opens the switch 9 10 orelsemaintains it in open condition.

Then a small energizing current is first turned on through the winding 2and is then increased sufficiently, the armature 13 first closes theswitch 9 10 and then the armature 18 opens the same switch. Reversely,when there'is a largeenergizing current passing through the winding 2and it is then reduced sufiiciently, the armature 18 first closes theswitch 9, 10 and then the armature 13 opens the same switch, this latteroperation preferably taking place when the energizing current 1sreducedclose'to zero. I may utilize these operations of the armatures and theircontrol of the switch in certain places to greatfladvantage. as, forinstance, in telephone systems, for various purposes including thecontrol of signaling devices and especially supervisory signalingdevices. The backward operations of the armatures 13 and 18 may bcausedby the pressure of the springs 9 and 10 thereon,or by gravity, orboth...

I desirec t to be understood that Imay control a great number ofcombinations of switch springs or members by means of the armatures ofmy relay, and I therefore do not wishto be limited in this invention tothe particular switch shown.

I also wish it to be understood that in certain modifications ofmyinvention I may use any number of coils or windings on the core 1 formagnetizing same.

WVhile the construction of the relay herein shown provides a verysensitive and efiicient device, I do not wish to be limited in thisinvention to the particular construction shown, as various modificatlonsthereof may be made or utilized without departing from the scope of theappended claims.

The electromagnet structure of the pre- I, ferred form of relay of-*this invention forms the subject matter of my United States LettersPatent No. 1,226,617, dated May 15, 1917 ("of which this presentapplication is a division. I

Certain forms of the relay of this inven' tion form the subject matterof my co-pending application -Serial- No. 160,599, filed April 9, 1917,o'n relay.

A modified form of the relay of .this invention'is disclosed in myco-pending applithe telephone systemof my LetterscPatent No.1,103,909,dated July cation Serial No. 841,730, filed May 29, 1914, onelectromagnet.

One form of relay of this invention is utilized in and claimed inconnection with United States -A modified. form of the relay of this invention is utilized in and claimed in connection with the telephonesystem of my United States" Letters Patent No. 767,953, dated Aug. 16,1904.

Another modified form of the relay of this invention is utilized in andclaimed in connection with the telephone system of my United StatesLetters Patent No. 1,090,821, dated March 17, 1914.

\Vhat I claim as'my invention is:-

1. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and a pluralitvof armatures therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuitunderienergized conditions, a switch, each of the armatures beingmechanically associated with the switch for controlling same, and meanswhereby different degrees of energization of the relay device op-' eratethe armatures separately.

2'. In a relay device, asingle electromag- 'net structure and armaturemechanism therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuit underenergized conditions, a switch, a plurality of armaturacontrolledmechanisms each mechanically associated with the switch for controllingsame, and means whereby different degreescof energization of the relaydevice operate the said armature- ,circnit under energized conditions, aswitch,

a plurality of armature-controlled mecha nisms each having means foropening and closing the switch, and means'whereby different degrees ofenergization of the relay device operate the said armature-controlledmechanisms separately.

5. In a relay device having a magnetic structure and switchingmechanism, means for controlling the switching mechanism comprising aplurality of overlapping armatures oppositely pivoted adjacent therespective poles of the magnetic structure.

6. In a relay device having switching mechanism and a magnetic structurecomprising but a single core and an L-shaped member connected to one endof the core, means for controlling the switching mechanism comprising aplurality of armatures at least one of which is operably associated withthe said L-shaped member, the said armatures requiring respectivedegrees of energization of the; device to effect their operationseparately.

7. In a relay device having switching mechanism and a magnetic structurecomprising a core and an L-shaped member connected to one end of thecore, means for controlling the switching mechanism comprisnet structureand a plurality of armatures therefor forming a substantially closedmagl netic circuit under energized conditions, a

switch comprising a pair of switch members mounted for stationaryengagement with each other, the said armatures being normally inunenergized positions and each mechanically associated with the switchfor controlling same, and means for utilizing different energizations ofthe electromagnet structure for exercising different controls over thearmatures.

9. In arelay device, a single electromagnet structure and armaturemechanism therefor forminga-substantially closed magnetic circuit underenergized conditions, a switch comprising a pair of switch membersmounted for stationary engagement with each other, a plurality ofarmature-controlled mechanisms each mechanically associated with theswitch for controlling same, and means for utilizing differentenergizations of the said electromagnet structure for exercisingdifferent controls over the said armature-controlled mechanisms.

10. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and a pluralityof armatures therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuitunder energized conditions, a switch comprising a plurality of switchmembers, the said armatures having means for operating the respectiveswitch members to control the switch, and means for utilizing differentenergizations of the electromagnet structure for exercising differentcontrols over the armatures.

11. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and a 'pair ofarmatures therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuit underenergized conditions, a switch comprising a pair of switch members, thesaid armatures having means for operating the respective switch membersto control the switch, each armature depending on the position of theother-armature for its control of the switch, and means for utilizingdifferent energizations of the electromagnet structure for exercisingdifferent controls over the armature.

12. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and a pair ofarmatures therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuit underenergized conditions, a switch comprising a pair of switch members,the'said armatures having means for operat ing the respective switchmembers to control the switch, one armature depending on the position ofthe other armature for its control of the switch, and meansfor utilizingdifferent energizations. of the-electromagnet structure for exercisingdifferentcontrols over the armatures.'-

13. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and a pluralityof armatures therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuitunder energized conditions. a switch, each of the armatures having meansfor mechanically controlling the s'witch, one of thesaid armaturesdepending on the energized maintenance of another of the said armaturesin an actuated position for its control of the switch, and means forutilizing different energizations of the electromagnet structure forexercising different controls over the armatures.

14. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and armaturemechanism therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuit underenergized conditions, a switch, a plurality of armature-controlledmechanisms each having mechanical co-operation with the switch forcontrolling same whereby one of the said armature-controlled mechanismsdepends on the energized maintenance of another of the saidarmature-controlled mechanisms in a certain position for its control ofthe switch, and means for utilizing different energizations of the saidelectromagnet structure for exercising different controls over the saidarmature-controlled mechanisms.

15. In a. relay device, a single electromagnet structure and a pluralityof armatures therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuitunder energized conditions, a switch, each of the armatures having meansmechanically co-operating with the switch for'controlllng same wherebyone of the said armatures operates the switch while another of the saidarmatures is maintained in an actuated position, and means for utilizingdifferent energizations of the electromagnet structure for exercisingdifferent controls over the armatures.

16. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and a pluralityof armatures therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuitunder energized conditions, a switch, each of the armatures having meansmechanically co-operating with the switch for controlling same wherebyone of the said armatures opens the switch only while another of thesaid armatures is in an actuated position, and means for utilizingdifferent energizations of the electromagnet structure for exercisingdifferent controls over the armatures.

17. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and a pluralityof armatures therefor forming a substantlally closed magnetic circuitunder energized conditions, :1 switch, each of the armatures havingmeans for controlling the switch whereby one of the said armatures opensand closes the switch while another of the said armatures is in anactuated position, and means for utilizing different energizations ofthe electromagnet structure for exercising different controls'over thearmatures.

18. In a relay device. a single electromagnet structure and a pluralityof armatures therefor forming magnetic circuit under energizedconditions, a switch, each of the armatures having means for controllingthe switch whereby one of the said armatures opens and closes the switchonly while another of the said armatures is in an actuated position, andmeans for utilizing different energizations of the electromagnetstructure for exercising different controls over the armatures.

19. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and a pluralityof armatures therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuitunder energized conditions, a pair of switch members co-operating witheach other to provide an openable and closable switch contact, the saidarmatures being operable separately and acting conjointly to control thesaid contact, the said armatures having means for operating therespective said switch members, and means for utilizing diiferentenergizations of the electromagnet structure to operate thearmaturesseparately.

20. In a relay device, a single electro, magnet structure and aplurality of armatures therefor forming a substantially closed magneticcircuit under energizedconditions, a pair of switch membersco-operating'with each otherto provide anopenable and closable switchcontact, the said armatures being operable separately and acting conjointly to control the said contact, the said armatures having means foroperating the respective said switch members both when attracted andreleased, and means for utilizing different energizations of theelectromagnet structure to operate the armatures separately. i

21. In an electromagnetic device, a single electromagnet structure andarmature mechanism therefor forming a substantially closed magneticcircuit under energized conditions, a pairof switch members co-operatingwith each other to provide an openable "and closable switch contact, aplurality of armature-controlled mechanisms operable separately andacting conjointly to control the said contact, the saidarmature-controlled mechanismshaving means for operating the respectivesaid'switch members,

a substantially closed and means for utilizing difi'erent energizetionsof the said electromagnet structure to mechanism therefor forming asubstantially closed magnetic circuit under energized conditions, a pairof switch members co-opcrating with each other to provide an openableand closable switch contact, a plurality of armature-controlledmechanisms oper-' able separately and acting conjointly tocontrol thesaid contact, the said armature-com trolled mechanisms having means foroperating the respective said switch members both when operated by anenergizat-ion of the said electromagnet structure and by ade-energization of same, and means for utilizingdifierentenergizationsof the said electromagnetstructure to operate the saidarmature-controlled mechanisms separately.

23. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and a pluralityof armatures therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuitunder energized conditions, a switch comprising a pair of switch membersmounted for stationary engagement with each other, each of the armatureshav ing means for controlling the opening and closing movement of theswitch, and means for utilizing different energizations of theelectromagnet structure for exercising different controls over thearmatures.

24. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and armaturemechanism therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuit underenergized conditions, a switch comprising a pair of switch membersmounted} for stationary engagement with each other, a plurality ofarmaturecontrolled mechanisms each having means for controlling theopening and closing movement of the switch, and means for utilizingdifferent energizations of the said electromagnet structure forexercising different controls over the said armature-controlledmechanisms.

25. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and operablemechanism therefor forming a substantially closed magneticcircuit underenergized conditions, a switch comprising a pair of switch mem-" bersmounted for stationary engagement with each other, the said operablemechanismhaving means for mechanically controlling the switch,and'meansfor causing the 'for forming a substantiallj closed magnetic-pletely actuating it from normal position ,com rising a pair of. switchmembers mounted or stationary engagement with each other, the saidoerable mechanism .having means for contro ling the switch, and means forpartially actuating the said mechanisms from normal position at one timeandcomat another time, upon the proper energizetion of the saidelectromagnet structure, tocontrol the said switch in different manners.

27 Ina relay device, a single electromagnet structure and a pair ofarmatures therefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuit underenergized conditions, a switch, each of the armatures having meansmechanically co-operating with the switch for controlling same wherebyeach armaturedeends on the position of the other armature or its controlof the's witch, and means for utilizing difi'erent energizations of theelectromagnet structure for exercising difi'erent controls over thearmatures. 28. In a relay device, a single electromagnet structure and aplurality of armatures therefor forming a substantially closed magneticcircuit under energized conditions,

a switch, each of the armatures having means mechanically co-operatingwith the switch for controlling same whereby one of the said armaturesopens the switch while another of the said armatures-is in an actuatedposition, and means for utilizingvdifferent energizations of the.electromagnet structure for exercising different controls over thearmatures.

29. A relay-comprising a core and means for energizing the same, a pairof armatures mounted adjacent to said core, one of said armaturespresenting to said core a magnetizable area ofgreater extent than theother, and switch springs controllable by said armatures.

30. A relay having but a single core and means for energizing the same,aplurality of armatures mounted adjacent to said core, one ofsaidarmatures presenting to said core a magnetizable area of greaterextent 'than another, and switching mechanism under the control of atleast one of the said armatures.

'. "31'. A relay having but a'single core and means for energizing thesame, a pair of armatures mounted to be attracted by one end only ofthe; core, one of the said armatures presenting for attraction bythecore a m netizable area ofgreater extent than the other, and switchingmechanism under the control of atleast one of the said armatures.

32. In a relay having a core and means for energizing the same, twooverlapping armatures adapted and arranged to be attracted by the endsurface of one end of the core, the said end of the core having aportion thereof cut away on one side thereof for accommodating one ofthe armatures ture adapted to be actuated thereby whereby difi'erentportions of the end surface ofthe said end'of the' core are'in closeproximity to the respective armatures for attracting them, -and.switching mechanism under the control of at least one of the. saidarmatures 33. In a relay device, a singleelectromagnet structure and aplurality of armatures therefor forming a substantially closed mag.-netic circuit under; energized conditions, a make-and-breakv switch, andmeans adapting each armature to open and close the switch when the saidelectromagnet structure is pro erly energizedr i .34. n a relay device,a single electromagnet structure and a plurality of operable memberstherefor forming. a substantially closed magnetic circuit underenergized conditions, a; switch under control'of the said operablemembers, and. means for causing the relay device to o crate saidoperable members separately, w en the said electromagnet structure isproperly energized, whereby each opens and closes the switch.

35. In an electromagnetic device, a single electromagnet structure and aplurality of operable members therefor forming a substantially closedmagnetic circuit under energized conditions, a switch-under control ofthe said operable members, and means for causing the said magnetstructure to operate the said operable members separately, when properlyenergized, whereby each con? trols the said switch. V

36. A single electromagnet structure and a 100 plurality ofarmaturestherefor forming a substantially closed magnetic circuit underenergized conditions, the said armatures beingadapted to be operatedseparately by the said magnet structure, a make-and-break 106 ,switch,and means adaptin one of the said of switching mechanism, operablemechanism atthe open end of the magnet struc-- to control the saidswitching mechanism, and" means'for artia'lly. actuating the saidoperablemec anism at one time and com- 12'0- plet'ely actuating it atanother time, upon the proper'ener ization oft-he relay device, toexercise di erent controls over the. switching'mechanism.

38. In a relay device, the combination ofa substantially U-shaped magnetstructure having but asingle core and aretu'rn magnetic member,energizing means on the said core, switching mechanism, -operablemechanism at the open end of the magnet strnc- 13a i ture adapted to beactuated thereby toxcontrol the said switching mechanism, and

assumetwo operative positions besides nori mal POSltlOIl, upon theproper energlzatlon .20

means 'for'partially actuating the said operable mechanism at one time-and completely actuating it at another time, upon the properenergization of the relay device, to exercise different controls overthe switching-mechanism. a I

39;In a relay device, the combination with a substantially U-sliapedmagnet structure having butasingle core and a single 'windingformagnetizing the said'structure, of switching mechanism, operablemechanism at the open end of the magnet structure adapted to beoperated'thereby to control the said switching mechanism, and means forcausing the said operable mechanism to of the relay device, to exercisedifferent controls over the switching'mechanism. U

' 40,111 a relay device, they combination of a substantially U-shapedmagnet structure having but a single core and a return magnetic member,energizing means on the sald core,fswitching mechanism, operablemechanism at the open endof the magnet structure adapted to be operatedthereby to, control the said switching mechanism,.and meansforcausingthe said operable --mechanism to assume two operative po'sitionsbesidesnormal position, upon the proper energization of the relay device, toexercise different controls over the switching mechanism.

'41. In a relay, the combination with a substantially U-sh'aped magnetstructure, of

an singularly-shaped armature member pivotedbetween the -endsthereof andhaving one arm extending'in front of a pole of the magnet structure andadapted to be attracted thereto and the other arm extending rearwardl'y?along the magnet structure, switch members disposed longitudinally ofthe said magnet structure and adapted to engage each other at points ofcontact near their forward ends, said points of, contact a being outsideof said magnet structure and said rearwardly-extending arm of thearmature member, the latter having means for operating at least one ofthe said switch members, the 2 said means engaging the switch memberwhich is operated thereby tothe rear of the said'pointof contactthereof.

42. An electromagnet and a plurality of armatures therefor forming asubstantially closed magnetic circuit under energized conditions, aswitch under control of the armatures, and means for causing the magnetto operate the said armatures separately, upon different energizationsofthe magnet, whereby each armature controls the said Switch.

43. Amagnet' and a plurality of armatures therefor forming asubstantially closed magnetic circuit under energized conditions, aswitch under control of the armatures, and means for causing the magnetto operatethe said armatures separately, upon different energizationsthereof, whereby each controls the said switch. i

44. A magnet and a plurality of operable gmechani'sms therefor forming a:ubstan-' tially closed: magnetic circuit under energized conditions, aswitch under control of the mechanisms, and means forcausing the Qmagnet to operate the said mechanismsseparately, upon differentenergizations thereofgwhereby each controlsthe said switch 45.-Anelectromagnet h'avlng a substanhtially closed magneticccircuit underener;

causing the magnet to control the switchin differentamanners upondifferent energize;- tions thereof.

-As inventor of the foregoing I hereunto subscrlbe my name, this 15thday of March,

Witnesses: I

FRANCES K. PARKnR, O'r'ro Krsonnn.

gized conditions, a switch, and means for ,FREDERICK RLPARKER.

